We have always said, “This Fraternity will be different,” but at no other time in our history has that mandate been more important than right now. Today, the value of the Greek system is being questioned and the sustainability of what we do is at risk. We can no longer be satisfied with setting our sights on merely being the best fraternity in a Greek system that is deteriorating around us.

Our priority must then be to grow SigEp into the best among all-campus organizations, not just fraternities. 

We are uniquely positioned to do this. Our Balanced Man Program brings structure and support to the time spent outside the classroom. Our regional and national programs powerfully complement universities’ academic curricula. Our men receive personal and professional mentoring from thousands of committed SigEp volunteers, and our chapters serve as laboratories for applying and practicing what SigEps learn throughout their college experience.

I dream of a time when every university wants a SigEp chapter because they recognize the value we add to their communities. We have celebrated our place as the leading college Fraternity, and now we must work together to make SigEp the leader of all-campus organizations.

Our undergraduate brothers made important progress toward that goal when they voted at Conclave in August to recognize the Balanced Man Program as our official and only member development model. It is our brand and now we can fully leverage it, but there is so much more to be done.

Over the next two years, we will focus on supporting chapter and volunteer leaders as they improve the execution of the Balanced Man Program on their campuses. We will prioritize investment in student housing and our Residential Learning Communities. And we will embark on a comprehensive fundraising campaign to expand and endow the programs that provide transformative experiences for our young brothers.

As a brotherhood, we must do this together. Reflecting on the road ahead, I am reminded of the words of beloved Past Grand President Bedford W. Black, Wake Forest ’41, who often said, “If it is to be, it is up to me.” We are working toward important goals for our undergraduates and for our Fraternity. Moving forward, his words ring in my ears—I hope they ring in yours as well.